AQW 39672/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/02/2026
Answered On Date: 18/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any assessment his Department has made of the availability of veterinary prescription medicines, since the new regulatory arrangements governing supply from Great Britain came into effect on 1 January 2026.

Answer:

In line with the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, the supply of veterinary medicines, including any assessment of their availability in Northern Ireland, falls under the direction and control of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Furthermore, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (an Executive Agency of Defra) is the Competent Authority for veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.